Clothing accessory and method of use

ABSTRACT

A clothing accessory is provided for application to the end of a shirt sleeve or a trouser leg. The clothing accessory has fasteners for attaching the clothing accessory to the shirt sleeve or trouser leg. A decorative design is displayed outwardly when the clothing accessory is combined with the shirt sleeve or trouser leg. The clothing accessory resembles a cuff when combined with the shirt sleeve or trouser leg. A method of applying the clothing accessory to the end of a shirt sleeve or trouser leg is also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to clothing accessories and moreparticularly concerns decorative cuffs to be used in combination withshirt sleeves, trouser legs, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Modern shirt sleeves often include a decorative interior liner having adesign different from that of the exterior of the shirt sleeve. It hasbecome fashionable for individuals to roll back the ends of their shirtsleeves to display the decorative interior liner. One fashionable aspectof these shirts arises from the display of their decorative interiorliner, rather than from the exterior of the shirt which typicallypossesses a conventional design. Such a shirt having a conventionalexterior design will be considered fashionable primarily by virtue ofthe display of its rolled-back decorative interior liner.

In part because their popularity, these shirts generally are moreexpensive than similar conventional shirts lacking a decorative interiorliner. Another issue with these modern shirts is that the decorativeinterior liners are permanently attached to the shirt sleeves. As aresult, individuals are required to buy multiple shirts if they desire ashirt having a certain exterior design with several different decorativeinterior liners. Additionally, the decorative interior liners tend towear quickly when the shirt sleeve is not rolled back because the lineris in constant contact with the skin of the individual. Still further,the variety of decorative interior liners that may found be found in anyparticular clothing store tends to be limited.

In light of the above, prior to the present invention, a need existedfor a clothing accessory that allows an individual to outfit the end ofan existing shirt sleeve or trouser leg with a decorative design of theindividual's choosing.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a clothingaccessory is provided. The clothing accessory has a tubular memberconsisting of a first open end and a second open end. The clothingaccessory has a first fastener secured to the tubular member adjacentthe first open end and a second fastener secured to the tubular memberadjacent the second open end. The first fastener can be coupled to thesecond fastener. In one embodiment, the first fastener and secondfastener are magnetically attracted to one another. The first fasteneris contained in an internal cavity of a first enclosure. The tubularmember has an inner surface formed of a first fabric layer and an outersurface formed of a second fabric layer. The first enclosure is disposedbetween the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. A stitchconnects the first fabric layer, the second fabric layer, and the firstenclosure. The second fastener is contained in an internal cavity of asecond enclosure. A slit may be formed in the tubular member and extendsfrom the second open end toward the first open end. A first aperture anda second aperture may be formed in the tubular member on opposing sidesof the slit. The tubular member has a decorative surface.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a clothing accessory fora shirt sleeve or a trouser leg is provided. The clothing accessory hasa tubular member consisting of a first end, a second end, and adecorative surface. The clothing accessory has a means for coupling thefirst end of the tubular member to the second end of the tubular memberthrough the shirt sleeve or trouser leg. The means for coupling includesa magnetic element.

Additionally, a method for applying an auxiliary cuff to an end of ashirt sleeve worn by a person is provided. The auxiliary cuff includes adecorative inner surface, an outer surface, a first open end, and asecond open. The method includes placing the auxiliary cuff around anarm of the person with the decorative inner surface facing toward thearm of the person, moving the first open end of the auxiliary cuff underthe end of the shirt sleeve, and turning over a portion of the secondend of the auxiliary cuff such that a portion of the decorative innersurface faces away from the arm. The auxiliary cuff includes a firstmagnet adjacent the first open end and a second magnet adjacent thesecond open end. The method includes moving the second magnet adjacentthe first magnet such that the end of the shirt sleeve is pressedbetween the first magnet and the second magnet. The method includesmoving the auxiliary cuff and the end of the shirt sleeve toward anelbow of the person. The auxiliary cuff includes a first pocket forretaining the first magnet and a second pocket for retaining the secondmagnet. The auxiliary cuff includes a first fabric layer forming thedecorative inner surface and a second fabric layer forming the outersurface. At least one of the first pocket and the second pocket isdisposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. Themethod includes folding back the end of the shirt sleeve before movingthe first open end of the auxiliary cuff under the end of the shirtsleeve. The method includes inserting a decorative fastener through atleast one aperture formed in the auxiliary cuff.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a clothingaccessory;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment of the clothing accessory in use withthe end of a shirt sleeve worn by a person

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the clothing accessory in use withthe end of a shirt sleeve worn by a person;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the clothingaccessory; and

FIG. 7 shows a side view of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention will be described in connection withspecific embodiments, it will be understood that the claimed inventionis not limited to specific disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, thedescription is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as may be included within the sprit and scope of the presentinvention as defined by the appended claims.

Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a clothing accessory 10is shown comprising a tubular member 12, first fastener 14, and secondfastener 16. The tubular member 12 is a hollow sleeve having a firstopen end 18 and a second open end 20. The first fastener 14 is securedto the tubular member near the first open end 18 and the second fastener16 is secured to the tubular member near the second open end 20. Themanner in which fasteners 14, 16 are secured to the tubular member 12 isdiscussed below. The tubular member 12 is formed of a flexible materialallowing the tubular member 12 to be turned inside out. The tubularmember 12 can be turned partially inside out such that the second openend 20 overlaps the first open end 18. In this configuration, theclothing accessory 10 may have the appearance of a sleeve cuff or atrouser cuff.

The tubular member has an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 24. Thetubular member can be manufactured from a single or multiple layers offabric. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the inner surface 22 isformed of a first fabric layer 26 and the outer surface 24 is formed ofa second fabric layer 28. The fabric layers 26, 28 may be rectangular inshape before being formed into the shape of the tubular member 12.

Preferably, the first fabric layer 26 forming the inner surface 22 has adecorative design. Fabric having a decorative design generally is moreexpensive than fabric lacking a decorative design. Therefore, it may beadvantageous to form only the inner surface 22 of a fabric having adecorative design in order to lower manufacturing costs. In anembodiment where the tubular member 12 is manufactured from a singlelayer of fabric, both sides of the tubular member may have a decorativedesign. The decorative design of the inner surface 22 is displayedoutwardly when the tubular member 12 is turned inside out. The manner inwhich the inner surface 22 is displayed outwardly is described morebelow with regard to FIG. 4.

The second fabric layer 28 may be formed of a material that creates ahigh coefficient of friction between the second fabric layer 28 and ashirt sleeve 29. As shown in FIG. 4, the surface of the second fabriclayer 28 contacts the surface of the shirt sleeve 29 when the clothingaccessory 10 is combined with the end of a shirt sleeve 29. A highcoefficient of friction between the second fabric layer 28 and the shirtsleeve 29 prevents the clothing accessory 10 from slipping away from theshirt sleeve 29. In one embodiment, a coating or adhesive may be appliedthe second fabric layer 28 to increase friction between the secondfabric layer 28 and the shirt sleeve 29.

Fabric layers 26, 28 are held together along their edges by one or morestitches 32. A stitch is defined herein to encompass any fastening meanscomprising a loop or turn of thread or yarn. It may be advantageous forthe edge of the second open end 20 of the tubular member 12 to have anaesthetically pleasing appearance given that it is displayed outwardlywhen the clothing accessory 10 is combined with the end of a shirtsleeve 29 as shown in FIG. 4. This is accomplished by placing folded endportions of each fabric layer 26, 28 side-by-side as shown in FIG. 3. Inthis configuration, the inward folded end portions of fabric layers 26,28 are sewn together with one or more stitches 30, 32. As discussed morebelow, stitch 30 additionally may close an open end of first enclosure34. On the other hand, the edge near the first open end 18 of thetubular member 12 may not require an aesthetically pleasing appearancegiven that it is hidden from view when the clothing accessory iscombined with the end of a shirt sleeve 29. As such, this edge may beformed by bare ends of the fabric layers 26, 28 that are fastenedtogether by a zigzag stitch, for example. Forming the edge of the firstopen end 18 in this manner may be less expensive than forming the edgeof the second open end 20 as discussed previously because no excesslength fabric is required to form a fold near the edge. The means forfastening together fabric layers 26, 28 is not limited to stitches.Other fastening means such as adhesives, thermal bonding, and/or staplesmay be employed for fastening together fabric layers 26, 28.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, first fastener 14 and secondfastener 16 are retained within a first enclosure 34 and a secondenclosure 36, respectively. Each enclosure 34, 36 has an internal cavity38, 40 that contains, respectively, fasteners 14, 16. Enclosures 34, 36secure or connect fasteners 14, 16 to the tubular member 12. Variousother fastening means may be used to secure or connect fasteners 14, 16to tubular member 12 such as adhesives, thermal, bonding, staples,stitches, and the like. Enclosures 34, 36 may be attached to the tubularmember 12 in various locations. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4,the enclosures 34, 36 are located near the edges of the open ends 18,20, respectively. An advantage of this configuration is that the edgesof the open ends 18, 20 may be more easily aligned when the clothingaccessory 10 is combined with the end of a shirt sleeve 29 as shown inFIG. 4.

The enclosures 34, 36 may be located between the fabric layers 26, 28 asshown in FIGS. 1-4. In these figures, enclosures 34, 36 have apocket-like configuration and are manufactured from a rectangular pieceof fabric. For example, the enclosure 34 may be manufactured by foldinga rectangular piece of fabric, stitching close one open side of thefolded piece of fabric, stitching close another open side of the foldedpiece of fabric, placing the fastener 16 within the resulting internalcavity 38, and lastly stitching close the remaining open side of thefolded piece of fabric. In this example, the first enclosure 34 has oneedge formed by a fold and three edges formed with stitches.

The enclosures 34, 36 may be connected to the tubular member 12 viastitches, staples, adhesives, thermal bonding, and the like. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the stitch 30 which fastens together thefabric layers 26, 28 is also used to fasten the enclosure 34 to thefabric layers 26, 28. Additionally, the stitch 30 is used to close shutone side of the enclosure 34 after the fastener 16 has been placed inthe internal cavity 38. Using the stitch 30 to accomplish each of thesefunctions rather than using multiple stitches helps lower manufacturingcosts.

Restraint stitches 42, 44 may be used to confine the fasteners 14, 16 toa bottom portion of their respective enclosures 34, 36. The restraintstitches 42, 44 may be formed in the enclosures 34, 36 after thefasteners 14, 16 have been placed in the enclosures 34, 36. By confiningthe fasteners 14, 16 to a portion of enclosures 34, 36, the fasteners14, 16 may be more easily aligned with each other when the clothingaccessory 10 is combined with the end of a shirt sleeve 29 as shown inFIG. 4.

The fasteners 14, 16 preferably are formed of a magnetic material andare magnetically attracted to one another. The fasteners 14, 16 have amagnetic field or force capable of penetrating several layers of fabric.In one embodiment, the fasteners 14, 16 are formed of industrial gradehigh-strength magnets. The fasteners 14, 16 may have a round shape asshown in the figures or any other geometric shape. For example, thefasteners 14, 16 may have the shape of a rectangular strip. Thefasteners 14, 16 may be secured directly to the tubular member 12 via anadhesive, thermal bonding, stitch, staple, and the like. Alternatively,the fasteners 14, 16 may be held in enclosures that are connected to thetubular member 12 as shown in the figures. Since the clothing accessory10 may be cleaned with water and chemical detergents, the fasteners 14,16 preferably are formed of a corrosion resistant material, such asstainless steel, and/or have a corrosion resistant coating.

FIG. 4 shows the clothing accessory 10 gripping the end of a shirtsleeve 29. In FIG. 4, the tubular member 12 is partially turned insideout such that the second open end 20 overlaps the first open end 18. Inthis arrangement, the inner surface 22, which may have a decorativedesign, is displayed outwardly. Alignment of the edges of the secondopen end 20 and the first open end 18 positions the first fastener 14adjacent the second fastener 16. The magnetic attractive force betweenthe fasteners 14, 16 presses the shirt sleeve 29 between the first openend 18 and the second open end 20 of the tubular member 12. The pressureapplied by the fasteners 14, 16 to the shirt sleeve 29 firmly holds theclothing accessory 10 to the shirt sleeve 29. When attached to the endof the shirt sleeve 29, the clothing accessory 10 substantiallyresembles a sleeve cuff.

The clothing accessory 10 is removed from the shirt sleeve 29 by firstpulling the second fastener 16 away from the first fastener 14 such thattheir magnetic attraction is diminished and then pulling the tubularmember 12 away from the shirt sleeve 29. The clothing accessory 10 maybe attached to the end of a trouser leg in a similar fashion asdescribed above.

The second open end 20 of the tubular member 12 has a diameter largerthan that of the shirt sleeve 29. In an exemplary embodiment of thetubular member 12, the second open end 20 has a diameter ofapproximately 4 inches. A diameter of this size permits the clothingaccessory to be combined with the sleeves of most shirts. The tubularmember 12 shown in the figures has a circular cross-section and aconstant diameter along its length. In another embodiment, the tubularmember 12 has a diameter that varies along its length. In oneembodiment, the diameter near the first open end 18 may be smaller thanthe diameter near the second open end 20 so that the first open end 18squeezes the arm of a user, thereby preventing the clothing accessory 10from sliding down the arm of the user.

The tubular member 12 may also have a slit 46 extending from the secondopen end 20 toward the first open end 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Inan exemplary embodiment, the slit 46 may be approximately 2 inches inlength. In one embodiment, the slit 46 may be an angled cut. The tubularmember 12 may also have apertures 48, 50 located on opposing sides ofthe slit 46. The apertures 48, 50 are capable of receiving a decorativefastener such as a cuff link (not shown). A function of the slit 46 andapertures 48, 50 is to mimic the appearance of a shirt sleeve cuffhaving a slit and button holes.

As described above, the first fabric layer 26 may have a decorativedesign which is displayed outwardly when the clothing accessory 10 iscombined with the end of a shirt sleeve 29. The decorative design may beany design the user desires. For example, the decorative design may beany color, pattern, character, logo, texture, or combination thereof. Inparticular, school or professional team logos may be used.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the clothing accessory 10. Thisembodiment includes all the features of the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4 and additionally comprises a third fastener 52 and a fourthfastener 54 contained within a third enclosure 56 and a fourth enclosure58, respectively. The addition of the fasteners 52, 54 provides astronger pressing force between the clothing accessory 10 and the shirtsleeve 29. This helps prevent the clothing accessory 10 from becomingdislodged from the sleeve 29, for example, when the user swings his armsor bends his elbows.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the clothing accessory havingpatch-like enclosures 60, 62 for holding the fasteners 14, 16. Here, thepatch-like enclosures 60, 62 are formed of a patch of fabric sewn ontothe second fabric layer 28 at the outer surface 24. The internal cavityof the enclosure is formed between the patch of fabric and the secondfabric layer 28. In the patch-like configuration of the enclosure, fewerlayers of fabric may be located between the first fastener 14 and thesecond fastener 16 when the clothing accessory 10 is combined with theend of the shirt sleeve as compared to an embodiment having apocket-like enclosure. As such, the magnetic field or force of thefasteners 14, 16 is required to penetrate fewer layers of fabric whenthe clothing accessory is combined with a shirt sleeve 29. In otherembodiments (not shown), the patch-like enclosure could be located onthe first fabric layer 26 at the inner surface 22, on a surface ofsecond fabric layer 28 opposite the outer surface 24, and/or on asurface of the first fabric layer 26 opposite the inner surface 22.

A method for applying the clothing accessory 10 to the end of a shirtsleeve 29 will now be described. A similar method can be used forapplying the clothing accessory 10 to the end of a trouser leg. In thefollowing example, the shirt sleeve 29 is worn on the arm 64 of a userwhile the clothing accessory 10 is applied. However, the clothingaccessory 10 may be applied to a shirt sleeve 29 not worn by a user.

First, where the end of the user's shirt sleeve 29 has an existing cuff,the user unfastens the existing cuff and folds or rolls it inwardstowards their arm, and to their desired length so that a clean seam isdisplayed and the existing cuff has been rolled to the inside. However,it is not required that the user roll up the existing cuff beforeapplying the clothing accessory 10. Next, the user places the clothingaccessory 10 around the arm 64 with the inner surface 22 facing towardthe arm 64 of the user. As such, the surface having the decorativedesign initially faces inwardly. Then the user moves the clothingaccessory 10 up the arm 64 such the first open end 18 is slid under theend of the shirt sleeve 29. Generally, approximately half of the tubularmember 12 should is covered by the end of the shirt sleeve. Next, theuser turns over the second open end 20 such that the inner surface 22faces away from the arm in an outwardly direction. This action creates afold 66 in the clothing accessory 10 at the end of the shirt sleeve 29.By folding back the second open end 20, the fasteners 14, 16 are broughtinto close proximity with each other. In an embodiment where fasteners14, 16 comprises magnets, fasteners 14, 16 are attracted to one anotherthrough the shirt sleeve 29. The shirt sleeve 29 therefore is pressedbetween the fasteners 14, 16. Finally, a user may pull or push thecombination of the clothing accessory 10 and the shirt sleeve 29 towarda final resting position near the user's elbow. The user may also foldback the combination of the clothing accessory 10 and the shirt sleeve29 additional times in order to create a tighter fit between theclothing accessory 10 and the user's arm. In an embodiment where theclothing accessory has the apertures 48, 50, the user may insert adecorative fastener such as a cuff link through the apertures.

Removal of the clothing accessory 10 from the shirt sleeve 29 comprisesmoving the fasteners 14, 16 away from one another such that anyattractive force between the fasteners is diminished. Next, the secondopen end 20 rolled away from the first open end 18. The clothingaccessory 10 may be entirely unfolded such that the fold 66 is removed.Lastly the clothing accessory 10 is slid away from the elbow and off ofthe arm of the user.

The present invention is not limited to magnetic fasteners. The meansfor coupling the first open end 18 of the tubular member 12 and thesecond open end 20 of the tubular member 12 may include pins, safetypins, adhesives, velcro, buttons, clips, clasps, elastic bands, strings,and the like. In an embodiment where magnetic fasteners are notemployed, the means for coupling may penetrate the end of the shirtsleeve 29 in order to couple the tubular member 12 to the end of theshirt sleeve 29. In one embodiment, the means for fastening may have amale portion and a female portion where the end of the shirt sleeve 29is compressed between the male portion and female portion.

While the invention has been described in connection with variousembodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable offurther modifications. This application is intended to cover anyvariations, uses or adaptations of the invention following, in general,the principles of the invention, and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as, within the known and customary practice withinthe art to which the invention pertains.

1. A clothing accessory comprising: a tubular member having a first openend and a second open end; a first fastener secured to the tubularmember adjacent the first open end; and a second fastener secured to thetubular member adjacent the second open end, wherein the first fastenercouples to the second fastener.
 2. The clothing accessory of claim 1,wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are magneticallyattracted to one another.
 3. The clothing accessory of claim 2, furthercomprising a first enclosure having an internal cavity which containsthe first fastener.
 4. The clothing accessory of claim 3, wherein thetubular member comprises an inner surface formed of a first fabric layerand an outer surface formed of a second fabric layer, wherein the firstenclosure is disposed between the first fabric layer and the secondfabric layer.
 5. The clothing accessory of claim 4, further comprising astitch for connecting the first fabric layer, the second fabric layer,and the first enclosure.
 6. The clothing accessory of claim 3, furthercomprising a second enclosure having an internal cavity which containsthe second fastener.
 7. The clothing accessory of claim 1, furthercomprising a slit formed in the tubular member and extending from thesecond open end toward the first open end.
 8. The clothing accessory ofclaim 7, further comprising a first aperture and a second apertureformed in the tubular member on opposing sides of the slit.
 9. Theclothing accessory of claim 1, further comprising a decorative surface.10. A clothing accessory for a shirt sleeve or a trouser leg comprising:a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a decorativesurface; and a means for coupling the first end to the second endthrough the shirt sleeve or the trouser leg.
 11. The clothing accessoryof claim 1, wherein the means for coupling includes a magnetic element.12. A method for applying an auxiliary cuff to an end of a shirt sleeveworn by a person, the auxiliary cuff including a decorative innersurface, an outer surface, a first open end, and a second open end, themethod comprising: placing the auxiliary cuff around an arm of theperson with the decorative inner surface facing toward the arm; movingthe first open end of the auxiliary cuff under the end of the shirtsleeve; and turning over a portion of the second end of the auxiliarycuff such that a portion of the decorative inner surface faces away fromthe arm.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the auxiliary cuff includesa first magnet adjacent the first open end and a second magnet adjacentthe second open end.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingmoving the second magnet adjacent the first magnet, wherein the end ofthe shirt sleeve is pressed between the first magnet and the secondmagnet.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising moving theauxiliary cuff and the end of the shirt sleeve toward an elbow of theperson.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary cuff includesa first pocket for retaining the first magnet and a second pocket forretaining the second magnet.
 17. The method of claim 16, the whereinauxiliary cuff includes a first fabric layer forming the decorativeinner surface and a second fabric layer forming the outer surface. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first pocket and thesecond pocket is disposed between the first fabric layer and the secondfabric layer.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising foldingback the end of the shirt sleeve before moving the first open end of theauxiliary cuff under the end of the shirt sleeve.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising inserting a decorative fastener through atleast one aperture formed in the auxiliary cuff.